ThingLink Capture: Scan and create interactive 3D experiences

ThingLink Capture is a mobile app for creating 3D scans of real-world objects and spaces.

Using a LiDAR-enabled iPhone or iPad, you can create a 3D model, upload it to ThingLink, and enrich it with interactive elements such as hotspots before sharing it with others. 

Overview

ThingLink Capture is a mobile 3D scanning app that turns real-world objects and spaces into interactive learning experiences. With a LiDAR-enabled iPhone or iPad, you can quickly scan, upload, enhance with interactive elements, and share content across devices or through your LMS.

After scanning, the Capture app saves all your scanned objects so you can access them anytime. You can view each object in AR, place it alongside the real-world version, and adjust its size as needed.

You can also view and edit your 3D models on Apple Vision Pro.

Availability and supported devices

ThingLink Capture is available on iOS and iPadOS via the App Store.

To use the app, you need a LiDAR-enabled iPhone or iPad.

How to scan an object

1. Open ThingLink Capture.
2. Tap the blue plus icon and select Object Mode.
3. Point your camera at the object you want to scan. A white bounding box will appear around it. Adjust the bounding box as needed, then tap 'Start scanning'.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to capture the object from all sides. As you move around the object, a small circle at the bottom of the screen shows which sides have already been captured so far.
5. After the first scan, the app will prompt you to either flip the object or continue scanning from lower and upper angles. 
6. Once all three scans are complete, click 'Finish' and wait while the capture is processed into a 3D model.

Capturing areas

You can also use ThingLink Capture to scan a wider space with Area Mode.

This mode is useful when you want to capture an object together with its surroundings, or scan part of a room or other environment.

To capture an area:

1. Start a new scan.
2. Select Area Mode.
3. Move slowly around the area you want to capture.
4. Point the device at the surfaces and objects you want to include in the model.
5. Capture the area from multiple angles for the best result.

How to export your object

Export the 3D model to ThingLink

After the scan has been processed, you can upload the 3D model to ThingLink. 

1. Click 'Upload to ThingLink'.
2. Sign in to your account.
3. Wait for the 3D model to be uploaded.

Once uploaded, you can open it in your ThingLink account, add hotspots and other content, and share it with other users.

Use with ThingLink for Apple Vision Pro

Upload the ThingLink model to use with the ThingLink for Apple Vision Pro application. This allows you to view 3D models, add annotations, and place them in your real environment. The app can also recognize scanned real-life objects in your surroundings and automatically display the associated tags directly on top of them while using the Apple Vision Pro.

Tips for better scans

• Use good lighting from all sides of the object.
• Make sure the table or floor beneath the object is not included in the scan by adjusting the bottom of the bounding box as close to the object as possible.
• Make sure you can either move the object or move freely around it so you can capture it from all sides.
• Move slowly while scanning.